Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to now
Hi, I'm Will. Just before my 30th birthday five months ago, I took a leap of faith, changed careers, and became an SDR for Cognism. Over the past decade of my working career, I have worked as a product manager, project manager, landscaper, owner of a business, and many more and never really felt settled in what I was doing.
Entering a new industry was intimidating, and my pride stopped me for a long time, but the old saying that "growth often lies beyond our comfort zones" couldn't be more right.
I was told on occasions that I should go into sales, but was apprehensive of it because of the "window salesman" stereotype for the industry. How wrong I was, eight months in I am loving it and wish I started earlier!
Love pretty much all sports and being active, seeing my friends over a beer, but also love spending time with my wife and my dog on weekends doing nothing!
What was your journey into a career in tech sales?
A journey of failure and a journey of heartbreak. Lost my dad at the age of 23 and was left as a hole of a person for many years without a real goal or direction. Flitted from company to company, started my own business that didn’t go where I wanted, but I learnt a lot about business, a lot about myself. No specific moments helped me get into sales, but having the drive and entrepreneurial spirit, got me hired in a touch economy.
What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales?
Being around other people that are driven and passionate about being successful is a massive bonus. The potential of making money is a massive driving force, but also the growth potential within the career is massive and honestly there is no limit. The only limitation is yourself.
My experience before tech sales wasn’t sales, but understanding how businesses work and understanding people from project management, has helped me tremendously.
What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales?
Keep busy. Work hard. Repeat. If you have the drive and ability to learn, sales is an amazing opportunity to make a career change and a lot of money (eventually)
Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too?
Why you joined: I love the message and reason for Tangent. There is a truly astonishing disadvantage for people from less privileged backgrounds and there are missed opportunities for people that would be superstars in the industries.
I am also extremely passionate about mentoring other people and helping them along a journey which I am going through as well.
Why others should join? It's a great opportunity to make a change in an exciting fast paced world. I’ve had some great mentors in the past and would love to be that person for others.
Ready to make a difference?
Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.
Sign up to be a Tangent Mentor today 👇
